How to Spend One Day in Toronto: A Guide to the Perfect 24 Hours
Toronto is one of those cities people often underestimate. It’s big, spread out, and on a first visit it can feel a little overwhelming. But after living here, I’ve learned that Toronto really shines when you know where to go and don’t try to do too much at once.
In this guide, I’m walking you through exactly how I’d spend one day in Toronto, from a local’s point of view. This isn’t about cramming in every major attraction or racing across the city. It’s about seeing a few great neighbourhoods, eating well, walking a lot, and getting a feel for the city beyond just the highlights.
This is also the same itinerary I’ve used when friends visit Toronto and only have 24 hours. If you follow it, you’ll see the parts of the city I genuinely enjoy spending time in – and hopefully leave feeling like you’ve actually experienced Toronto, not just passed through it.
Is One Day in Toronto Enough?
One day in Toronto isn’t enough to see everything – and that’s okay.
With just one day, most people understandably want to see a few of Toronto’s iconic, touristy spots – and that makes sense. Places like the CN Tower, the waterfront, or some of the city’s well-known neighbourhoods are popular for a reason, and they’re a big part of what you’ll find in any roundup of things to do in Toronto. The key is not trying to see all of them in one go.
That’s usually how I plan things when friends visit. We’ll hit one or two must-see landmarks, then spend the rest of the day walking through areas locals actually spend time in, stopping for food along the way. Toronto is very seasonal too, so what makes sense in summer can feel completely different in the fall or the winter.
You won’t see everything in 24 hours – and honestly, you don’t need to. One day is enough to get a real feel for the city, enjoy great food, and experience a mix of highlights and neighbourhoods. And if you’re travelling on a tighter budget, a lot of this itinerary overlaps nicely with some of the city’s best [internal link → free things to do in Toronto], especially when the weather’s good.
If you end the day already thinking about what you’d want to do next time, that’s actually a good sign. Toronto is the kind of city that reveals itself slowly.
One Day in Toronto Itinerary (At a Glance)
Before getting into the details, here’s a quick overview of how I usually pace a full day in Toronto when friends are visiting for the first time.
I like starting the day downtown, close to the waterfront and the CN Tower area. It keeps things walkable, helps you get oriented early on, and lets you knock out one of the city’s most iconic sights without feeling rushed. From there, I move east toward St. Lawrence Market and Old Town, which is a great mid-morning stop for food and a bit of history.
The afternoon is where things slow down a bit. This is usually when I’ll pick one neighbourhood to explore properly – either the Distillery District for something more polished and photogenic, or Kensington Market if we’re in the mood for something more local and a little chaotic. Both are very different, and both give you a better feel for the city than just hopping between landmarks. A lot of what’s included here also overlaps with some of the city’s best things to do in Toronto, especially if it’s your first visit.
Later in the afternoon, I like leaving things flexible. Queen Street West works well if you want energy and street life, while Yorkville is a better choice if you want something quieter or are planning to pop into a museum nearby. What makes sense here can also change depending on the season – Toronto feels very different in summer compared to winter in Toronto or the shoulder seasons.
The evening is all about food and atmosphere. Dinner is when Toronto really shines, and I usually plan it around whatever neighbourhood we’re already in rather than crossing the city again. A relaxed walk afterward – either downtown or along the waterfront – is usually how I wrap things up.
That’s the overall rhythm of the day. Nothing too rigid, no constant backtracking, and enough flexibility to adjust based on energy, weather, and appetite.
Morning: Downtown Toronto & the Waterfront
Whenever friends are visiting Toronto for the first time, I almost always start the day downtown. It’s central, easy to get around, and it lets you ease into the city without immediately jumping on and off transit.
Mornings in Toronto are best kept simple. I usually start with coffee and something to eat nearby – nothing too heavy, just enough to get going. Downtown has no shortage of great cafés, and starting here means you can walk to your first few stops instead of wasting time commuting.
From there, I like heading toward the waterfront. It’s one of the calmest parts of the city early in the day, especially before things get busy. Walking along the lake is a great way to get your bearings, and it gives you a different perspective on Toronto than what you’ll see later in the neighbourhoods. If the weather’s nice, this is also one of my favorite areas to take visiting friends for a slow, easy stroll – and it’s a big reason why so many waterfront spots show up on lists of things to do in Toronto.
At some point during the morning, you’ll inevitably notice the CN Tower looming overhead. Even if you don’t plan on going up, it’s worth spending a bit of time around the area. Seeing it up close helps orient you in the city, and it’s one of those places most first-time visitors want to see at least once.
Right next door is Ripley’s Aquarium, which comes up a lot when friends are visiting – especially if they’re travelling with kids or just want something easy and indoors. It’s not something I push on everyone, but if aquariums are your thing or the weather isn’t cooperating, it fits nicely into this part of the day since you’re already here anyway.
Just across the street, you’ll also find the Toronto Railway Museum and Roundhouse Park. This is one of those places people often stumble upon rather than plan for, but it’s a nice stop if you enjoy trains, industrial history, or just want a quieter open space for a short wander. I usually treat it as a casual stop rather than a must-do – something you can spend five minutes or half an hour at, depending on your interest.
If it’s your first trip to Toronto and the weather’s clear, this is usually when I suggest going up the CN Tower. The views stretch across the city and out over Lake Ontario, and they give you a real sense of just how big Toronto actually is. If lines are long or heights aren’t your thing, skipping it won’t derail the rest of the day – the tower stays in view as you move through the city.
And if you’re visiting during the warmer months, this is also when I sometimes suggest a short Toronto harbour cruise. I don’t always recommend it, but when the weather’s nice and friends want a break from walking, it’s an easy way to see the skyline from the water without committing too much time. Since you’re already by the waterfront, it fits naturally into the flow of the morning.
Between the CN Tower, the aquarium, the railway museum, the nearby waterfront, and the option of a harbour cruise in season, this area gives you a solid mix of iconic Toronto sights without needing to crisscross the city right away.
Late Morning: St. Lawrence Market & Old Town
By late morning, this is usually when people are ready to eat again – which is exactly why I plan the next part of the day around St. Lawrence Market.
It’s one of those places that actually lives up to the hype. Locals go, visitors love it, and it works really well in a one-day itinerary because everything is under one roof. Inside, you’ll find bakeries, food stalls, fresh produce, and a mix of classic Canadian and international options. Whether you’re grabbing something quick or turning it into an early lunch, it’s an easy, low-effort stop that doesn’t feel rushed.
When friends are visiting, I usually suggest walking through first, seeing what looks good, and then deciding what to eat rather than locking into one plan. Part of the fun here is just wandering and sampling a few things. It’s also a good place to pick up a small snack for later in the day.
Once you’re done at the market, take some time to wander around Old Town Toronto. The streets here are quieter, and the buildings feel very different from the glass towers downtown. It doesn’t take long to explore, but it’s a nice way to slow things down after the busier morning and get a sense of the city’s older side.
This part of the day is also a natural transition point. You’ve covered some of the most iconic sights, eaten well, and walked a fair bit – which is why I usually shift into neighbourhood mode next, rather than adding another major attraction.
Afternoon: Pick One Neighbourhood to Explore
By the afternoon, I like to slow things down a bit. This is usually when I suggest picking one neighbourhood and actually spending some time there, rather than hopping between more big sights.
Toronto’s neighbourhoods are where the city really shows its personality, and two of the easiest – and most different – options for a one-day visit are the Distillery District and Kensington Market. I almost always choose one or the other depending on who I’m with and what kind of mood we’re in.
Distillery District
If we’re in the mood for something more relaxed and polished, I’ll head to the Distillery District. It’s a pedestrian-only area made up of restored Victorian industrial buildings, and it’s one of the nicest places in the city for an unhurried wander.
I like it here because everything is contained – galleries, small shops, cafés, patios – and you don’t need a plan. You can spend 30 minutes or a couple of hours just walking around, grabbing a coffee or a drink, and taking it all in. It’s especially nice in warmer months, and it’s one of those places that I like to recommend!
Kensington Market & Chinatown
If we want something more energetic and a little less polished, I usually head toward Kensington Market – and almost always end up wandering into Chinatown as well. The two neighbourhoods sit right next to each other, and together they make one of the most interesting areas of the city to explore on foot.
Kensington is full of vintage shops, street art, record stores, and small food spots, and it’s the kind of place where you don’t really need a plan. I usually let curiosity (and food) guide us here – popping into random shops, grabbing snacks, and just wandering without worrying about where we’re headed next.
Chinatown feels like a natural extension of that walk. Even if you’re not stopping for a full meal, it’s worth passing through for the atmosphere alone. There are bakeries, bubble tea shops, fruit stands, and casual eateries everywhere, and it’s one of the best places in the city to grab something quick and inexpensive. A lot of this area also overlaps nicely with some of my recommendations on free things to do in Toronto], especially if you’re happy just walking and exploring.
Together, Kensington and Chinatown give you a really good sense of Toronto’s diversity and everyday energy – and they feel completely different from the downtown core you saw earlier in the day.
Late Afternoon: Queen Street West or Yorkville
By late afternoon, energy levels usually start to dip a little – which is why I like to keep this part of the day flexible and low-pressure.
If we’re still in the mood to walk and explore, Queen Street West is usually my go-to. It’s lively, creative, and great for just wandering without a plan. There are independent shops, cafés, street art, and plenty of spots to stop for a coffee or a quick break. I don’t try to cover the whole street – we’ll usually just pick a stretch that looks interesting and see where it takes us.
On the other hand, if we want something calmer (or the weather isn’t cooperating), Yorkville tends to work better. It’s quieter, more polished, and a nice change of pace after a busy morning and afternoon. The streets are pretty, there are galleries and cafés tucked away everywhere, and it’s a good area to slow down a bit before dinner. If museums are part of the plan, this is also where things naturally line up.
What I like about this time of day is that there’s no real “right” choice. Both areas are easy to dip in and out of, and neither requires a big time commitment. It’s more about filling the gap between afternoon exploring and dinner in a way that still feels enjoyable, not forced.
Evening: Dinner & City Views
Evenings are when Toronto really comes alive, and this is usually my favorite part of the day to share with friends. By this point, you’ve seen a lot, walked a fair bit, and have a good sense of the city – so dinner doesn’t need to be complicated.
I usually plan dinner based on where we already are, rather than crossing the city again. Toronto does food incredibly well, and you’ll find great options in most neighbourhoods. If we’re downtown, King Street West is an easy choice for something lively. Ossington works well if we’re in the west end and want something trendier. Chinatown is perfect if we’re craving something casual and affordable. And if we’re closer to the lake, the waterfront can be a really nice, relaxed way to end the day.
I don’t try to chase a specific “must-eat” restaurant when friends are visiting for just one day. Instead, I’ll usually suggest picking a place that looks good and fits the mood – Toronto rewards that kind of flexibility, especially in the evening.
After dinner, I like keeping things simple. A walk through downtown at night, a stroll along the waterfront, or a quick drink somewhere nearby is usually enough. If the weather’s nice, the city feels especially good in the evening, and it’s a great time to slow down and reflect on the day without rushing off to another stop.
If you skipped the CN Tower earlier, this is also when some people like to go back for nighttime views – but only if you’re not exhausted. One of the nice things about Toronto is that you don’t have to do everything for the day to feel complete.
Where to Stay in Toronto for One Day
If you’re only in Toronto for one day, location matters more than anything else. You won’t be spending much time in your hotel, so the goal is to stay somewhere that makes the day easier – walkable, central, and well connected.
When friends visit for a short stay, I usually suggest staying downtown, ideally close to Union Station, the Entertainment District, or King Street West. Being central means you can start the day on foot, pop back if needed, and avoid wasting time commuting across the city. It also keeps you close to the waterfront, the CN Tower area, transit connections, and plenty of restaurants and cafés.
If you want a few solid, reliable options right in the heart of downtown, these are hotels I often recommend to friends depending on their style and budget:
These are all central, walkable, and well-located for a short stay.
Fairmont Royal York
A Toronto classic right next to Union Station. It’s incredibly convenient if you’re arriving by train or want to stay close to the waterfront and CN Tower area.
Delta Hotels Toronto
Modern, comfortable, and very close to major downtown sights. A solid option if you want something straightforward and central.
3. The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto
A luxury pick with excellent service and skyline views, especially nice if you’re celebrating something or just want a splurge for one night.
4. InterContinental Toronto Centre
Well-located and reliable, with easy access to downtown attractions and transit.
5. 1 Hotel Toronto
A stylish, modern hotel in King West Village, close to Queen Street West, great restaurants, and transit — ideal if you want a boutique feel with easy access to nightlife and food scenes.
Other Good Downtown Options (Quick Picks)
If the hotels above aren’t available or you’re looking for something slightly different, these are also solid downtown choices that work well for a short stay:
• One King West Hotel & Residence – Historic charm with good value and strong walkability
• Hilton Toronto – Well-known brand with reliable city-centre comfort
• Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre – Great for shopping and transit access
• Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer – Boutique-style stay with consistently strong reviews
• Hyatt Regency Toronto – Comfortable mid-range option in a central location
• Novotel Toronto Centre – Good value and close to St. Lawrence Market
If you want a deeper breakdown by neighbourhood, budget, or travel style, I’ve put together a much more detailed guide here: where to stay in Toronto
Final Thoughts on Spending One Day in Toronto
I always hope people get more than one day in Toronto – but if you don’t, you can still have a really great experience.
This itinerary isn’t about trying to do everything or racing from one attraction to the next. It’s about seeing a few iconic spots, spending time in neighbourhoods that give you a real feel for the city, and leaving room to enjoy good food and unplanned moments along the way. That’s how Toronto works best.
This is the same general plan I use when friends visit and only have 24 hours, and it’s one I’ve seen work over and over again. You get a solid introduction to the city without feeling exhausted or overwhelmed – and usually, you leave already thinking about what you’d want to do next time.
If that happens, that’s kind of the point. Toronto is a city that grows on you, and one day is often just enough to make you want to come back.
FAQs About Spending One Day in Toronto
Is one day in Toronto enough?
Yes – especially if it’s your first visit and you focus on a few key areas. One day is enough to see some of Toronto’s iconic sights, walk through a couple of neighbourhoods, and experience the food scene. You won’t see everything, but you’ll get a real feel for the city and a good sense of what you’d want to come back for.
What should I not miss if I only have one day in Toronto?
If you only have one day, I’d prioritize seeing the CN Tower area, spending time near the waterfront, visiting St. Lawrence Market, and exploring at least one neighbourhood like Kensington Market or the Distillery District. Those spots give you a mix of classic Toronto landmarks and everyday city life.
You’ll find many of these highlighted in my broader guide to things to do in Toronto
Can you see Toronto in one day without a car?
Absolutely. For a one-day visit, a car is more hassle than help. Downtown Toronto is very walkable, and public transit makes it easy to get between neighbourhoods. As long as you stay central and group your plans by area, you won’t need a car at all.
Is Toronto worth visiting in the winter for one day?
Yes – but the experience is different. Winter days are shorter, and you’ll spend more time indoors, but Toronto still has great food, museums, and neighbourhoods that are enjoyable year-round. If you’re visiting in colder months, it helps to be flexible and plan around weather. I’ve covered seasonal highlights in more detail in my guide to things to do in Toronto in the winter
What are some free things to do in Toronto in one day?
There are plenty of ways to enjoy Toronto without spending much. Walking the waterfront, exploring neighbourhoods like Kensington Market and Chinatown, visiting the Railway Museum, and wandering through downtown areas are all free. Many parts of this itinerary overlap with some of the city’s best [internal link → free things to do in Toronto].
Where should I stay if I only have one night in Toronto?
For a short stay, downtown is your best bet. Areas near Union Station, the Entertainment District, or King Street West make it easy to get around on foot and by transit. Being central saves time and lets you focus on enjoying the city rather than commuting. I’ve put together a more detailed breakdown here: where to stay in Toronto
Is one day better in Toronto in summer or fall?
Both are great, but they feel different. Summer is lively, with patios, festivals, and waterfront walks, while fall is a little quieter and perfect for walking through neighbourhoods. If you’re planning seasonally, you might also want to check out my guide to [internal link → things to do in Toronto in the fall].
